An unusual, untouched tomb from the Etruscans, a civilization that preceded the Roman Republic, was discovered in central Italy.
The tomb, carved from stone in the shape of a small house, contains the bodies of four people lying on a stone bed. The body is surrounded by over 100 artifacts, including ceramics, weapons, bronze ornaments and silver hair accessories.
Many other Etruscan tombs have been excavated in the area, but all have been subject to some degree of looting. The pristine tomb dating back to the 7th century BC may provide insight into Etruscan burial practices, researchers from the International San Giuliano Archaeological Research Project (SGARP) announced on July 15th.
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“This completely sealed burial chamber represents a rare discovery of Etruscan archaeology,” said David Zoli, an archaeologist at Baylor University, Texas, in a statement. “In the inner hilly region of central Italy, where the SGARP team works, the tombs of preserved rooms of this era have never been excavated with modern archaeological techniques. It is a unique opportunity to study this fascinating pre-Roman culture beliefs and burial traditions.”
The Etruscan civilization flourished in central Italy for the centuries before the Roman Republic, peaking in the 6th century BC, then gradually fell to Rome in the Roman wars. Etruscan was officially assimilated by the Roman Empire in the first century BC.
Archaeologists have discovered a sealed tomb in the ancient Etorscan town of San Giuliano, about 43 miles (70 km) northwest of Rome, as part of the SGARP. Researchers have documented more than 600 Etruscan tombs in the area since the project was launched in 2016, but the newly described tomb is the only tomb that has not been looted.
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“It was very surreal to be part of the project that discovered the rooted grave,” said Kendall Peterson, an undergraduate researcher who participated in the excavation. “Archeologists want their entire career, and it was very emotional to witness not only the reaction of our professors, but also the pride and excitement of Barbarano’s community.”
Although preliminary data suggest that the four individuals buried in the grave are two male and female pairs, further analysis of the site may provide additional insights.
“The SGARP team has completed the excavation of the tomb, but research and analysis of the archaeological data produced by this incredible discovery has only just begun,” Zori said in a statement.
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